U.S. patent application number 15/190474 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for system for providing inflated cushions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sealed Air Corporation (US). Invention is credited to Brian A. Murch, Laurence B. Sperry.
Application Number | 20170166343 15/190474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56372727 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170166343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Murch; Brian A. ; et
al. |
June 15, 2017 |
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INFLATED CUSHIONS
Abstract
A system for providing a web of inflated containers includes a
conveyance system, a detachment arm, and a controller. The
conveyance system has an operative mode in which the web is
advanced along a path of travel by counter-rotating members having
a nip through which at least a portion of the web passes and (ii)
an idle mode. The detachment arm is positioned beside the path of
travel downstream from the conveyance system. The detachment arm
has a separator end to engage the web in the path of travel. The
controller is programmed to operatively control the conveyance
system to move to: (i) the operative mode to advance the web by a
predetermined number of containers and (ii) the idle mode in which
a transverse detachment line of the web is aligned with the
separator end of the detachment arm.
Inventors: |
Murch; Brian A.; (Needham,
MA) ; Sperry; Laurence B.; (Newton, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sealed Air Corporation (US) |
Duncan |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56372727 |
Appl. No.: |
15/190474 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62188171 |
Jul 2, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2301/51514
20130101; B31D 2205/007 20130101; B65H 2511/31 20130101; B31D
2205/0058 20130101; B65H 2801/63 20130101; B65B 65/08 20130101;
B31D 2205/0088 20130101; B65H 35/0086 20130101; B65H 35/10
20130101; B65B 61/12 20130101; B65H 16/005 20130101; B31D 5/0073
20130101; B65B 57/02 20130101; B65H 35/0066 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 65/08 20060101
B65B065/08; B31D 5/00 20060101 B31D005/00; B65H 16/00 20060101
B65H016/00; B65H 35/10 20060101 B65H035/10; B65B 61/12 20060101
B65B061/12; B65B 57/02 20060101 B65B057/02 |
Claims
1. A system for providing a web of inflated containers, the web
having a transverse detachment line between the adjacent
containers, the system comprising: a conveyance system having: an
operative mode in which the web is advanced along a path of travel
by counter-rotating members having a nip through which at least a
portion of the web passes; and an idle mode in which the web is
stationary; a detachment arm positioned beside the path of travel
downstream from the conveyance system, the detachment arm having a
separator end to engage the web in the path of travel; and a
controller programmed to operatively control the conveyance system
to move to: (i) the operative mode to advance the web by a
predetermined number of containers and (ii) the idle mode in which
a transverse detachment line of the web is aligned with the
separator end of the detachment arm.
2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a transverse tracking
sensor adapted to detect location information for the transverse
detachment lines of the web and provide the location information to
the controller.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the transverse tracking sensor
comprises one or more of an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a
magnetic sensor, a force-sensitive resistor, a strain gauge, and an
accelerometer.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the separator end is adapted to
separate the web along the transverse detachment line as a
detachment force is applied to the web while the separator end is
aligned with the transverse detachment line.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the separator end of the
detachment arm has a triangular shape having an apex pointing
toward the path of travel.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the position of the detachment arm
beside the path of travel is adjustable along the path of
travel.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the controller is programmed to
operatively control the conveyance system to advance the web by a
predetermined number of containers in response to an advancement
signal received by the controller.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the controller is in communication
with a warehouse management system configured to send to the
controller the advancement signal.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the controller is in communication
with a warehouse management system configured to send to the
controller information for the predetermined number of containers
associated with a product to be packaged.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein the controller is in
communication with a scanner configured to provide the advancement
signal.
11. The system of claim 7 wherein the controller is in
communication with a manually-activated switch configured to
provide the advancement signal.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a receptor adapted to
detect whether a detachment event occurs at the separator end and
transmit a detachment signal in response to the detachment event,
wherein the controller is programmed to receive the detachment
signal and to operatively control the conveyance system to move the
conveyance system to the operative mode to advance the web by a
predetermined number of containers if the detachment signal is
received while the conveyance system is in the idle mode.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the controller is programmed to
move the conveyance system to the idle mode to stop the advancement
of the web after the completing the predetermined number of
containers if a detachment signal is not received during the
advancement of the predetermined number of containers.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the controller is programmed to
continue to advance the web if a detachment signal is received
while the conveyance system is in the operative mode.
15. The system of claim 12 wherein the receptor comprises a device
adapted to detect the detachment event, the device comprising one
or more of an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a
force-sensitive resistor, a strain gauge, a flexion sensor, and a
bend sensor.
16. The system of claim 12 wherein the receptor comprises a flapper
switch moveable between: a triggered position, in which a
detachment force applied by the separator end causes the flapper
switch to transmit the detachment signal; and a normal position, in
which the flapper switch is biased away from the triggered
position.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the flapper switch is integral
with the detachment arm.
18. The system of claim 12 wherein the detachment arm is moveable
between: a detachment position, in which the separator end resists
the detachment force and the detachment arm engages the receptor to
send the detachment signal; and a normal position, in which the
detachment arm is biased away from the detachment position.
19. A machine for separating a web of inflated containers, the web
having a transverse detachment line between the adjacent
containers, the machine comprising: a counter comprising a sensor
to detect the passing of each container of the web along a path of
travel and to transmit counter information based on the passing; a
detachment arm positioned beside the path of travel downstream from
the counter, the detachment arm having a separator end to engage
the web in the path of travel, the detachment arm being moveable
between: an engaged position in which the separator end is aligned
with a transverse detachment line of the web in the path of travel;
and a disengaged position in which the separator end does not
engage the web; and a controller programmed to receive the counter
information and a predetermined number of containers information to
operatively control the movement of the detachment arm in response
to the counter information and the predetermined number of
containers information.
20. The machine of claim 19 wherein: each container of the web is
between a leading transverse detachment line and a trailing
transverse detachment line; and the controller is programmed to
identify the leading transverse detachment line of the last
container of the predetermined number of containers and to move the
detachment arm toward the engaged position after the leading
transverse detachment line of the last container of the
predetermined number of containers has passed the detachment arm to
place the detachment arm in the engaged position for the trailing
transverse detachment line of the last container of the
predetermined number of containers.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/188,171 filed Jul. 2, 2015, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a system
for providing inflated packaging cushions, for example, a string of
inflated containers for protective packaging.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Inflated cushions, pillows, or other inflated containers may
be used in packaging for dunnage, protective, and/or bracing
functions. Automated machines may be used to manufacture a web or
string of such inflated containers (i.e., cushions), for example,
as described in U.S. Patent Application Publ. 2015/0075114 A1,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The
string of cushions output from such machine may be stored in a bin
or other container to provide an accumulation of cushions for the
operator who is packaging articles for shipment. The operator may
access the cushions directly from the bin, or a dispensing
apparatus may be used to facilitate dispensing the string of
cushions from the bin to the operator at a packaging station. Such
dispensing apparatus is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
8,554,363, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
[0004] While cushion manufacture systems incorporating a bin may
provide some accumulation advantages for accommodating a supply of
cushions during peak packaging demand, the use of an accumulation
bin and related dispensing equipment may add to the cost,
complexity, and space requirements for the system.
[0005] Further, regardless of whether a bin is used to store an
accumulation of inflated cushions, the operator in some operations
has to determine the number of cushions to provide in a string of
cushions that are detached from the web for a selected package.
This may result in miscounting or incorrectly estimating the number
of cushions required for the selected package.
SUMMARY
[0006] One or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject
matter may address one or more of the aforementioned problems. In
an embodiment, a system may be useful to provide a web of inflated
containers. The web has a transverse detachment line between the
adjacent containers. The system includes a conveyance system, a
detachment arm, and a controller. The conveyance system has (i) an
operative mode in which the web is advanced along a path of travel
by counter-rotating members having a nip through which at least a
portion of the web passes and (ii) an idle mode in which the web is
stationary. The detachment arm is positioned beside the path of
travel downstream from the conveyance system. The detachment arm
has a separator end to engage the web in the path of travel. The
controller is programmed to operatively control the conveyance
system to move to: (i) the operative mode to advance the web by a
predetermined number of containers and (ii) the idle mode in which
a transverse detachment line of the web is aligned with the
separator end of the detachment arm.
[0007] Another embodiment is directed to a machine for separating a
web of inflated containers. The web has a transverse detachment
line between the adjacent containers. The machine includes a
counter, a detachment arm, and a controller. The counter has a
sensor to detect the passing of each container of the web along a
path of travel and to transmit counter information based on the
passing. The detachment arm is positioned beside the path of travel
downstream from the counter. The detachment arm has a separator end
to engage the web in the path of travel. The detachment arm is
moveable between: (i) an engaged position in which the separator
end is aligned with a transverse detachment line of the web in the
path of travel and (ii) a disengaged position in which the
separator end does not engage the web. The controller is programmed
to receive the counter information and a predetermined number of
containers information to operatively control the movement of the
detachment arm in response to the counter information and the
predetermined number of containers information.
[0008] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
presently disclosed subject matter will be more readily understood
and appreciated by reference to the detailed description and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine for inflating and
sealing an inflatable web having a series of containers;
[0010] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, except that it illustrates the
machine being used with a roll of an inflatable web to inflate and
seal the containers included in the web;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the machine shown in
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 1, except that the blower cover
has been removed to show the blower;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the machine, as taken from
the opposite side as shown in FIG. 1 and with the backside cover
removed to show the components inside of the main housing for the
machine;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view, taken along line 6-6
in FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inflation system, web tracking
sensor, and controller components of the machine as shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7A-7A in
FIG. 7;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the machine, taken along
line 8-8 in FIG. 2 and with the web guide removed from the sealing
roller;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a plan view similar to FIG. 8, showing the
advancement of the web to a stopping point;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a representative perspective view of a system 310
for providing inflated containers having a detachment arm 312 is a
first position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a representative perspective view of the system
310 of FIG. 10, but having the detachment arm 312 in an extended
second position;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the detachment arm
312 of FIG. 10;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a representative partial perspective view of the
system 310 of FIG. 10, but having a web of inflatable cushions
installed and having a transverse detachment line 44 aligned with
the separation end 316 of the detachment arm 312;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a representative partial side elevation view of
the system of FIG. 13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a representative detailed perspective view of the
system of FIG. 14, but showing a detachment event occurring by
having a detachment force applied by the separator end 316 to
detach the web along transverse detachment line 44;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a representative partial side view of the
detachment arm 312 of FIG. 10 in the normal position;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a representative partial side view of the
detachment arm 312 of FIG. 10 in the detachment position;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a representative perspective view of an
alternative detachment arm 412 and receptor 414 configuration
having a flapper switch 318 in the normal position;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a representative perspective view of the
detachment arm and receptor of FIG. 18, but having the flapper
switch 318 in the triggered position;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a representative perspective view of an
alternative detachment arm 512 and receptor 514;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a representative perspective view of an
alternative detachment arm 612 and receptor 614;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a representative side elevation view of another
system 410 for providing inflated cushions;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a representative perspective view of machine 710
for separating a web 26 of inflated containers;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a representative side elevation view of the
machine of FIG. 23, but before the web 26 has been detached;
and
[0034] FIG. 25 is a representative side elevation view of the
machine of FIG. 24, but having the detachment arm in the engaged
position and showing string of cushions detached from the web
26.
[0035] Various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein are
described with reference to the drawings. For purposes of
simplicity, like numerals may be used to refer to like, similar, or
corresponding elements of the various drawings. The drawings and
detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed subject
matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the intention is
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In one or more embodiments, a system (e.g., system 310 of
FIGS. 10 and 13) for providing inflated containers 50 from a web 26
of inflatable containers 32 may include one of more of: (i) a
machine (e.g., machine 10) for inflating and sealing an inflatable
web, the machine including a conveyance system 20 and an inflation
nozzle 82, (ii) a detachment arm (e.g., detachment arm 312), (iii)
a receptor (e.g., receptor 314), and (iv) a controller (e.g.,
controller 94), as discussed herein in more detail.
[0037] FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a machine 10 for inflating and
sealing an inflatable web. Machine 10 includes a support structure
12, which may comprise a base 14 and a wall 16 extending upwards
from the base. Machine 10 further includes a spool 18 for
rotatively supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web
conveyance system 20 for conveying the inflatable web along a path
of travel, an inflation system 22 for inflating the containers, and
a sealing device 24 located proximate to the inflation system for
sealing closed the inflated containers.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates machine 10 being used to inflate and seal
an inflatable web 26. Web 26 may be in the form of a roll 28, which
is rotatively supported by spool 18. Web 26 has opposing first and
second longitudinal edges 30a, b, and includes a series of
inflatable containers 32. Each of the containers 32 is capable of
holding therein a quantity of gas (e.g., air) and each has an
opening 34 at the first edge 30a for receiving such gas.
[0039] Web 26 may further comprise a pair of juxtaposed sheets 36a,
b, e.g., film sheets. In the illustrated embodiment, first
longitudinal edge 30a of the web 26 is open, i.e., unsealed, while
second longitudinal edge 30b is closed (e.g., sealed or folded).
The web conveyance system 20 conveys the inflatable web 26 along a
path of travel 40, which is substantially parallel to the
longitudinal edges 30a, b of the inflatable web.
[0040] The containers 32 may be defined between sheets 36a, b and
between a series of transverse seals 38. The seals 38 are described
as "transverse" because they are aligned in a direction that is
generally transverse to the longitudinal edges 30a, b of web 26 and
path of travel 40. Each container 32 may be separated by the
adjacent container by one or more transverse seals 38. For example,
each container may be separated by the adjacent container by one
transverse seal 38, or each container 32 may be separated by two
transverse seals 38, for example, by two transverse seals such as
relatively closely-spaced pairs 38a, b, such that each container 32
is defined in web 26 between a leading transverse seal 38a from a
downstream pair of seals 38, and a following transverse seal 38b
from an adjacent, upstream pair of such seals. (FIG. 2.) Stated
differently (i.e., from the perspective of the closely-spaced
seal-pairs), the upstream transverse seal of each seal-pair is
designated 38a while the downstream seal is designated 38b.
[0041] Each inflatable container has an inflation opening, for
example, inflation opening 34. The openings 34 of the containers 32
may be formed by the open first edge 30a of the web 26 and the
first ends 42a of the transverse seals 38. The opposing second ends
42b terminate at the closed second edge 30b. The first ends 42a of
the transverse seals are spaced from first edge 30a, in order to
form a pair of opposing open (unattached) flanges in sheets 36a, b
that form an "open skirt" region 37, which allows inflation system
22 (e.g., nozzle 82 thereof), to be accommodated within web 26
(i.e., between film sheets 36a, b) in order to facilitate
inflation. (FIG. 6.) See, also, for example U.S. Pat. No.
6,651,406, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
[0042] In order to allow individual or groups of inflated
containers (i.e., a string of inflated cushions) to be separated
from the web 26, a transverse detachment line 44 may extend across
the web between each container 32. A detachment line is a region of
relative weakness in the web material to facilitate separation of
one container 32 from attachment to another container (e.g., to
facilitate detachment of a string of inflated cushions from the
remaining web). The facilitated separation may be, for example,
manual separation by hand, or manual separation assisted by a
detachment arm, as will be discussed in more detail herein. The
transverse detachment line 44 (i.e., a region of relative weakness)
may be in the form of a series of perforations in the web material
(e.g., a perforated line), a scoring along the web material, or
other configuration to cause relative weakness in the web material.
In general, each transverse detachment line 44 will correspond to
(e.g., be adjacent to or be formed within) at least one transverse
seal 38 between adjacent containers 32. The detachment line 44 may
be positioned, for example, between each upstream/downstream pair
of transverse seals 38a, b as shown in FIG. 2. In view of this
correspondence between a transverse detachment line 44 and a
transverse seal 38, the locating of the one will provide location
information of the other. That is to say, for example, that the use
of a transverse tracking sensor (e.g., sensor 180) adapted to
detect location information for a transverse seal 38 also
inherently locates (i.e., detects location information) for the
transverse detachment line 44 corresponding to the transverse seal.
The transverse tracking sensor may also be said to be adapted to
detect location information for the transverse detachment line by,
for example, identifying the location of the apex of an inflated
container 50 so that a computation may be made (e.g., by controller
94) to extrapolate to the location of the transverse detachment
line 44 by, for example, adding to (or subtracting from) the apex
location the known given distance from the apex to the transverse
detachment line for the container.
[0043] Web 26 may, in general, comprise any flexible film material
that can be manipulated by machine 10 to enclose a gas as herein
described, including various thermoplastic materials (e.g.,
polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer, polypropylene homopolymer or
copolymer). Non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic
polymers include polyethylene homopolymers, such as low density
polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), and
polyethylene copolymers such as, for example, ionomers,
ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene/methyl acrylate
copolymer (EMA), heterogeneous (Zeigler-Natta catalyzed)
ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers, and homogeneous (e.g.,
metallocene, single-cite catalyzed) ethylene/alpha-olefin
copolymers. Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are copolymers of
ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C.sub.3 to
C.sub.20 alpha-olefins, including linear low density polyethylene
(LLDPE), linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), very low
density polyethylene (VLDPE), and ultra-low density polyethylene
(ULDPE). Various other polymeric materials may also be used such
as, for example, polypropylene homopolymer or polypropylene
copolymer (e.g., propylene/ethylene copolymer), polyesters,
polystyrenes, polyamides, and polycarbonates. The film may be
monolayer or multilayer and can be made by any known extrusion
process by melting the component polymer(s) and extruding,
coextruding, or extrusion-coating them through one or more flat or
annular dies.
[0044] A conveyance system (e.g., web conveyance system 20) has (i)
an operative mode in which the web 26 is advanced along the path of
travel 40 by counter-rotating members having a nip through which at
least a portion of the web passes and (ii) an idle mode in which
the web 26 is stationary. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, web
conveyance system 20 advances web 26 along path of travel 40 (for
some duration beside wall 16), with the web being oriented such
that the first edge 30a is adjacent to the wall. Inflation system
22 is positioned to direct gas, as indicated by arrows 46, into the
openings 34 of the containers 32 as the web 26 is advanced along
the path 40, thereby inflating the containers. A pair of
convergent, counter-rotating rotary members (e.g., rollers 62, 64)
may be positioned such that a nip 65 (i.e., an area of tangential
contact) is formed therebetween for progressing the web by passing
at least a portion of the web. Alternative ways of providing
counter-rotating members to provide a nip of a conveyance system to
progress or pass a web include opposing counter-rotating belts or
tracks, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 22 (discussed in more
detail below), and as described, for example in U.S. Pat. No.
8,978,345 and U.S. Patent App. Publ. 2010/0251668 A1, each of which
is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0045] As also shown in FIG. 2, sealing device 24 may be positioned
just downstream of the inflation system 22 so that it substantially
contemporaneously seals closed the openings 34 of the containers 32
as they are being inflated (see, also, FIG. 8). Sealing device 24
may seal closed openings 34 by producing a longitudinal seal 48
between film sheets 36a, b, which also intersects transverse seals
38a, b near the first ends 42a thereof to enclose gas 46 within the
containers 32. In this manner, the inflatable containers 32 of web
26 are converted into inflated containers 50 of web 26.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, it may be seen that spool 18 has
a proximal end 52a, at which the spool is attached to support
structure 12, and may also have an opposing distal end 52b, which
is spaced from the support structure. In the illustrated
embodiment, for example, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, the
distal end 52b may have a higher elevation relative to the proximal
end 52a, that is, the spool 18 may have an upward angle (relative
to a horizontal plane, e.g., to base 14) as the spool extends away
from the wall 16. In this manner, when a web roll 28 is mounted
thereon (shown in phantom in FIG. 3), the roll is gravitationally
biased towards the support structure 12. Such upward angle of spool
18 may facilitate the manual act of loading a new web roll 28 onto
the spool, as the upward angle is often more ergonomic for roll
loading, and with gravity assisting in sliding the roll all the way
onto the spool 18. The degree of elevation of the distal end 52b of
spool 18 may be such that the upward angle of the spool relative to
a horizontal plane is between about 1 to about 45 degrees, such as
from about 2 to about 30 degrees, and from about 3 to about 20
degrees. As an example, an upward angle of about 4 degrees above
horizontal was found to be suitable.
[0047] For those embodiments in which the spool 18 has an
upwardly-angled configuration, the resultant gravitational bias of
the roll 28 towards the support structure 12 urges the first
longitudinal edge 30a of the web 26 towards the web conveyance
system 20, inflation system 22, and sealing device 24. The
gravitational bias of roll 28 towards support structure 12 has the
potential, therefore, to facilitate the reliability of machine 10
by improving the tracking of the open edge of web through the
inflation and sealing operations.
[0048] In order to accommodate the weight and diameter of a full
roll 28, support structure 12 may include an upright structural
bracket 54, to which spool 18 may be directly attached, for
example, via fasteners (screws) 56 and mounting plate 58 as shown
in FIG. 3 (see also FIG. 5, wherein a total of three such fasteners
56 are shown). Mounting plate 58 may thus form the attachment point
at which the proximal end 52a of spool 18 is secured to support
structure 12. Mounting plate 58 may be an integral part of an
internal framework 60 for spool 18, to which the internal
components thereof may be mounted. As shown, the upright bracket 54
may be secured to wall 16 of support structure 12, and may serve to
elevate spool 18 such that there is sufficient space between the
spool and base 14 to accommodate a roll 28 having a desired
maximum, full-width diameter. The distal end 52b of the spool 18
may be unsupported (as illustrated) such that the spool is
cantilevered from upright bracket 54 on wall 16. Alternatively
(e.g., for large and/or heavy web rolls), the distal end 52b may be
supported by a suitable structural component (e.g., an upstanding
post with a cradle on which the distal end 52b rests) (not
illustrated).
[0049] The upward angle of spool 18 may be achieved as shown in
FIG. 3 by orienting wall 16, and also upright bracket 54, at an
angle relative to a vertical plane, with spool 18 being
substantially perpendicular to the wall. Alternatively, wall 16
(and also bracket 54) may be oriented in a substantially vertical
plane, with spool 18 mounted on the wall (and/or on bracket 54) at
an upward angle relative to a horizontal axis passing through the
vertical plane. As a further alternative, spool 18 may not have an
upward angle (i.e., may have a substantially horizontal
configuration).
[0050] As noted above, sealing device 24 seals closed openings 34
of containers 32 by producing a longitudinal seal 48 between film
sheets 36a, b, which intersects transverse seals 38a, b near the
first ends 42a thereof to enclose gas 46 within the containers. In
this manner, the inflatable containers 32 of web 26 are converted
into inflated containers 50.
[0051] In some embodiments, the sealing device 24 and web
conveyance system 20 may be incorporated together as an integrated
assembly, which may include a pair of convergent, counter-rotating
rotary member (e.g., rollers 62, 64), and a sealing element 66
secured to at least one of the rollers (e.g., to roller 62) as
shown in FIG. 3. As previously mentioned, rollers 62, 64 may be
positioned such that a nip 65 (i.e., an area of tangential contact)
is formed therebetween. At least one of the rollers may be linked
to a motor 68 (e.g., a motor and gearbox assembly 68 as shown in
FIG. 5) such that when power is supplied to one or both rollers,
the rollers rotate in opposing so that web 26 is advanced along
path 40 when the web passes through the nip 65 between the rollers
(FIG. 2). Simultaneous with such web conveyance, sealing element 66
forms longitudinal seal 48 at the nip between rollers 62, 64 to
close the openings 34 of the inflated containers 32/50 as web 26 is
advanced along path 40 (FIG. 8).
[0052] Sealing element 66 may be an electrically-heated resistive
device, such as a band or wire, which generates heat when an
electrical current passes through the device. sealing element 66
may be mounted on the circumferential outer surface 72 of roller
62, such that it rotates against the web 26 along with the roller
62. (FIG. 8.) When sealing element 66 is mounted on roller 62 as
presently illustrated, roller 62 may be considered a "sealing
roller" while roller 64 is considered a "backing roller." When
heated, the rotational contact between sealing element 66 and web
26, as rollers 62, 64 counter-rotate compressively against web 26,
forms the longitudinal seal 48 as the web is conveyed along its
path of travel 40.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, sealing element 66 is in the
form of a wire. Sealing roller 62 may be formed from any material
that is capable of withstanding the temperatures generated by the
sealing element, such as metal (e.g., aluminum),
high-temperature-resistant polymers (e.g., polyimide), ceramics,
etc. A groove 70 may be provided in the circumferential outer
surface 72 of roller 62 to accommodate sealing element 66 and keep
it in proper position on the outer surface 72 during sealing and
conveyance.
[0054] The outer surface 72 may include a roughened or knurled
section 74 to facilitate traction between surface 72 and the web 26
in order to prevent or minimize slippage between the sealing roller
62 and the web as the roller rotates against the web to convey it
along path 40. Web traction between rollers 62, 64 may further be
facilitated by forming backing roller 64 from a pliant material,
such as rubber or RTV silicone.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 and 8, web conveyance system
20 may include rollers 62, 64, motor 68, and drive shaft 75, which
extends through wall 16 to couple the rotational output of motor 68
to sealing roller 62. In this arrangement, sealing roller 62 is
directly driven by motor 68 via drive shaft 75, while backing
roller 64 is indirectly driven by the motor, based on its
rotational contact with the driven roller 62. Sealing device 24
may, in addition to sealing element 66 and groove 70 on outer
surface 72 of sealing roller 62, include commutators 76a, b (e.g.,
carbon-brush commutators) and corresponding slip-rings 78a, b (FIG.
8) in order to supply electricity to the sealing element 66 via
internal wiring within drive shaft 75 and sealing roller 62.
Further details regarding the above-described integrated web
conveyance system 20 and sealing device 24 are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,225,599, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference thereto.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, longitudinal seal 48 is oriented
in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal
edges 30a, b of web 26 and its direction of movement along its
travel path 40 through machine 10. Seal 48 may, as shown, be a
continuous longitudinal seal (i.e., a substantially linear,
unbroken seal), which is interrupted only when the sealing device
24 is caused to stop making the seal.
[0057] Alternatively, sealing device 24 may be adapted to produce
longitudinal seal 48 as a discontinuous series of longitudinal seal
segments. A discontinuous series of longitudinal seal segments may
be produced when sealing element 66 has a helical pattern on
surface 72 of sealing roller 62 (or 64), resulting in an angled
configuration of the longitudinal seal segments, (e.g., as
disclosed in the above-incorporated '599 patent). As a further
alternative, sealing element 66 may be arranged on sealing roller
62 as an overlapping helical pattern, e.g., as a "double helix," as
disclosed in U.S. Patent App. Publ. 2008-0250753 A1, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0058] Gas stream 46 may comprise air. In this instance, inflation
system 22 may include a blower 80 (FIGS. 4-6) for generating such
gas stream 46 from the ambient air, an inflation nozzle 82, and a
gas duct 84 to direct gas 46 from blower 80 to nozzle 82. In FIG.
4, blower cover 86 has been removed to show that blower 80 may be
positioned on base 14 proximate nozzle 82 for maximum air delivery
(i.e., minimum pressure loss) and speed. Nozzle 82 may be secured
in position to direct gas (e.g., air) 46 into the openings 34 of
the containers 32 via direct or indirect attachment to wall 16
and/or base 14. In the illustrated embodiment, nozzle 82 is
attached to duct 84, and is further supported via attachment to
wall 16.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows the conveyance of inflatable web 26 through
inflation system 22, including the separation of film sheets 36a, b
at open skirt region 37 to move against/around opposing surfaces of
the inflation nozzle 82. FIG. 6 also shows that inflation nozzle
may have a relatively flat/planar configuration, and may contain
one or more gas outlets 87 (e.g., three such outlets as shown).
Inflation nozzle 82 is adapted to direct gas into the inflatable
containers 32 as the web 26 advances along the path of travel
40.
[0060] Machine 10 may include a housing 88, for example, on the
opposite side of wall 16 from that with which the web-handling
components (i.e., spool 18, inflation system 22, rollers 62, 64,
etc.) are associated. The housing 88 may contain therein various
operational devices, some of which are described above (e.g., motor
68), and some of which will be described below. Housing 88 may also
contain thereon an operator interface (e.g., a control panel 90),
which may include, at a minimum, a start button or switch 91 and a
stop button or switch 92, which allows the operator of machine 10
to cause the machine to start operations and stop operations,
respectively.
[0061] The systems and machines described herein (e.g., machine 10)
may include a controller 94 to control the overall operation. The
controller may be contained within housing 88 as shown in FIG. 5.
Controller 94 may be in operative communication with the various
sub-assemblies of machine 10, for example, to control the flow of
power (e.g., electricity) thereto. Such control may take place
indirectly, for example, by controlling the flow of power to the
sub-assemblies from a separate power management source (not shown),
or, as illustrated, directly. Thus, power may be supplied to
controller 94 from junction box 96 via electrical cable 98.
Junction box 96 may be supplied with power via a separate power
cable (not shown), which connects the junction box to a power
supply, e.g., a plug-in wall receptacle (not shown), which is
linked to a source of electricity, and may include an "on-off"
switch 100, to energize and de-energize, respectively, controller
94. In one example, when the source of electricity is alternating
current, e.g., 110 or 220 volt AC, a transformer 99 may be included
in machine 10 (FIG. 4) to convert such AC current into DC current
(e.g., 24 volt DC), prior to such current being supplied to
controller 94 via cable 98.
[0062] Various additional electrical cables (e.g., insulated wires)
may be provided to allow controller 94 to electrically communicate
with the sub-assemblies in machine 10 in order to control the
operations thereof. Thus, cable 102 may be supplied to allow
controller 94 to communicate with motor 68, i.e., to control the
web conveyance system 20 in order to achieve, e.g., a desired rate
of web conveyance, a desired stoppage point, a desired re-start,
etc. Similarly, cable 104 may allow controller 94 to communicate
with blower 80, e.g., to energize/de-energize the blower, control
the rate of movement of gas 46, etc. Cable 106 may provide
communication between control panel 90 and controller 94, e.g., in
order to allow an operator to supply commands, e.g., "stop" and
"start" commands, to the controller. Cable 108 may provide
communication between controller 94 and commutators 76a, b, i.e.,
to control the sealing device 24 by, e.g., energizing/de-energizing
sealing element 66, controlling the amount of power supplied
thereto, etc. Further sub-assembly control links are described
below.
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, a further feature of some
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described. When web
26 is in the form of a roll 28 as shown, the force required to
withdraw the web from the roll by web conveyance system 20 may
change as the roll is depleted, such that the tension in web 26 may
vary as the roll depletes. Such variation in web tension can
contribute to mis-alignment of the web vis-a-vis the inflation
system 22 and sealing device 24. Such mis-alignment, in turn, can
result in a number of inflation and/or sealing problems, including
non-inflation of the containers, under-inflation of the containers,
and seal failures, i.e., incomplete or no sealing of those
containers that are inflated (resulting in the deflation of such
containers). Accordingly, machine 10 may further include one or
more tension-control devices for controlling the tension in web 26
as it is conveyed along path 40 through the machine. Such devices
may operate by applying frictional resistance to the web 26 in
opposition to the advancement thereof by conveyance system 20.
[0064] One such device is illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein, as shown,
a tension rod 112 may be positioned between roll 28 and inflation
system 22, and may be structured and arranged to be in contact,
e.g., sliding contact, with web 26 as it is conveyed along path 40.
The sliding contact between tension rod 112 and web 26 provides
frictional resistance to the web in opposition to its advancement
along path 40. The magnitude of such frictional resistance is
directly proportional to the extent of the contact between the web
26 and rod 112. In the illustrated arrangement, as the diameter of
roll 28 decreases with depletion of its supply of web 26, the area
of contact between web 26 and rod 112 increases, based on the
increased angle of approach of the web onto the tension rod from
roll 28. Conveniently, the tension rod 112 may also provide the
function of a guide rod, in that it directs the web 26 into proper
position on inflation nozzle 82. The tension rod 112 may have a
substantially round or oval cross-sectional shape as shown. Various
other shapes are, of course, possible, and within the scope of the
present invention, e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, etc.
[0065] Other such tension-control devices are described, for
example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0075114 A1,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Spool 18
may for example be rotatably mounted to the wall 16/upright bracket
54 such that the roll 28 rotates with the spool as the spool
rotates relative to the wall/bracket.
[0066] Machine 10 may include a positioning mechanism 132, which is
structured and arranged to establish a position of the roll 28 on
spool 18. (FIG. 3.) The positioning mechanism 132 may generally
comprise an engagement member 134 and an actuator (not illustrated)
which may be positioned internally in the spool 18. Positioning
mechanisms are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application
Publication 2015/0075114 A1, which has previously been incorporated
herein by reference.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, engagement member 134 is interposed
between the roll 28 and support structure 12 (upright bracket 54
thereof) at the proximal end 52a of spool 18. Engagement member 134
is adapted to engage roll 28, and is structured and arranged to be
movable relative to spool 18. For those embodiments in which the
distal end 52b of spool 18 has a higher elevation relative to the
proximal end 52a, spool 18 has an upward angle (relative to a
horizontal plane) as the spool extends away from upright bracket
54. In such embodiments, web roll 28 is gravitationally biased
towards bracket 54 of support structure 12, as indicated by arrow
140, which represents the force vector of the gravitational bias
that acts on roll 28 as mounted on angled spool 18. Based on the
interposition of engagement member 134 between roll 28 and upright
bracket 54, such gravitational bias 140 results in roll 28 being
forced against the engagement member (i.e., by gravity).
[0068] Machine 10 may include a web tracking sensor 180, which is
adapted to detect a transverse position of the inflatable web 26,
for example, with respect to inflation device 22 (FIG. 6).
Information from the web tracking sensor 180 may be used to control
the operation of the positioning mechanism 132 in order to
establish a desired position of roll 28 on spool 18, to thereby
maintain the transverse position of web 26 within a predetermined
range for optimum alignment with inflation system 22 and sealing
device 24.
[0069] In some embodiments, the web tracking sensor 180 may be
structured and arranged to detect the transverse position of the
web 26 by detecting the position of the open longitudinal edge 30a
and/or the position of printed marks on the web, e.g., via a
mechanical contact sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor,
etc.
[0070] The systems of various embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter may include a transverse tracking sensor adapted to detect
location information for the transverse detachment lines 44 of the
web 26. For example, the tracking sensor 180 may be structured and
arranged to detect the transverse seals 38 (e.g., ends 42a or 42b
thereof), such that a position of the transverse seals and/or the
ends thereof indicates the transverse position of the transverse
seal of web 26 and--because of the proximity of the transverse
detachment line 44 to the transverse seal 38 as previously
discussed--provide location information for the transverse
detachment line 44. Such location information may be provided to
the controller 94. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 7-8, the tracking sensor 180 is structured and arranged to
detect first ends 42a of the transverse seals 38 via physical
contact, such that the position of such first ends 42a indicates
the location position of the transverse seal 38 and thus the
corresponding transverse detachment line 44 of the web 26.
[0071] A transverse tracking sensor may include one or more of a
mechanical sensor (i.e., using physical contact as described
above), an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor,
a force sensor (e.g., a force-sensitive resistor and the like), and
an accelerometer. For example, transverse seal ends 42a may be
detected optically, for example, via an optical sensor adapted to
optically detect such seal ends of the transverse seals 38.
[0072] Controller 94 may be in operative communication with one or
more of web tracking sensor 180 (e.g., via input cable 182 of FIG.
7) and with positioning mechanism 132 (e.g., via output cable 184
of FIGS. 5 and 8). Controller 94 may further be adapted, e.g.,
programmed, to receive input 182 from tracking sensor 180 and,
based on that input, send output 184 to positioning mechanism 132
to adjust the position of roll 28 on spool 18 so as to maintain the
transverse position of the inflatable web 26 within a predetermined
range, for example so that the first ends 42a of transverse seals
38 are neither too close nor too far away from tracking sensor 180,
and thus in good alignment with inflation system 22 and sealing
device 24 for proper inflation and sealing.
[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, tracking sensor 180 may be
structured and arranged to be contacted by the first ends 42a of
transverse seals 38. Tracking sensor 180 may thus comprise a
contact sensor 186 and a detection sensor 188. Contact sensor 186
may be adapted to make physical contact with transverse seals 38
without impeding the movement of the web 26 along path 40. The
contact sensor 186 may thus be movable (e.g., pivotable,
translatable, bendable) so that it moves upon contact with the
transverse seals 38. In the illustrated embodiment, contact sensor
186 is pivotally mounted inside of inflation nozzle 82 at pivot
point 190, with a contact portion 191 extending from nozzle 82 so
as to make contact with transverse seals 38 in sequential fashion
as web 26 is conveyed past the inflation nozzle. Contact portion
191 thus resides inside of web 26 during inflation and sealing
operations, i.e., between sheets 36a, b at the openings 34 of the
containers 32. Contact sensor 186 may be biased against pivot stop
192 by coil spring 194, and is thus pivotally movable along arcuate
arrow 196 (FIG. 7).
[0074] The movement of contact sensor 186 serves two functions.
First, by moving upon contact with the seals 38, the contact sensor
186 allows the web 26 to continue its conveyance along path 40
(FIG. 8). Preferably the movement is such that web conveyance
continues without significant deviation due to the contact with the
sensor. Secondly, the movement of the contact sensor 186 allows
detection thereof by the detection sensor 188 in such a way that
the transverse position of web 26 may be determined. The detection
sensor 188 may, for example, be an optical sensor, including a
light emitter 198 and a light receptor 199 (FIG. 7A), wherein light
emitter 198 produces a beam of light, which is detect by light
receptor 199, with emitter 198 and receptor 199 being spaced apart
by gap 201. The contact sensor 186 and detection sensor 188 may be
relatively arranged as shown in FIG. 7A, such that a tail portion
203 of contact sensor 186 is pivotally movable through gap 201 in
detection sensor 188 as contact sensor 186 pivots about pivot point
190 through arc 196. Further, when the contact sensor 186 is in a
neutral or resting position as shown in FIG. 7, i.e., with spring
194 urging the sensor against pivot stop 192 due to no contact
between contact portion 191 and transverse seals 38, the tail
portion 203 is positioned inside of detection sensor 188 such that
the tail portion is interposed between light emitter 198 and light
receptor 199, whereby the tail portion 203 prevents the light beam
produced by emitter 198 from reaching receptor 199. In this
position, the tail portion 203 may be said to "break" such light
beam, such that no light is detected by receptor 199. The detection
sensor 188 may thus be configured to send signal 182 to controller
94 only when, and for so long as, light is detected by receptor
199, whereby such signal 182 is indicative of both the fact and
duration of contact between transverse seals 38 and contact portion
191 of contact sensor 186.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the incidence and duration of
light detection by receptor 199, i.e., based on the movement of
contact sensor 186 due to contact with transverse seals 38,
provides an indication of the transverse position of web 26. Thus,
for example, if no light is detected, this means that the ends 42a
of transverse seals 38 are not making contact with contact sensor
186 because the ends 42a, and therefore web 26, are too far away
from inflation system 22 and sealing device 24 for proper inflation
and sealing of the web 26. In this case, controller 94 sends a
command output 184 to positioning mechanism 132, to move the roll
26 on spool 18 in the direction of arrow 178, i.e., towards
mounting plate 58/support member 12, which causes web 26, and thus
ends 42a of transverse seals 38, to move closer to inflation system
22 and sealing device 24.
[0076] In contrast, if periodic contact is made between the contact
sensor 186 and ends 42a of the transverse seals, but the
corresponding periodic duration of light detection by receptor 199
is above a predetermined value, this is an indication that the web
26 (transverse seals 38 thereof) are too close to inflation system
22 and sealing device 24. In such condition, the ends 42a of the
transverse seals hold the contact sensor 186 pivotally away from
its neutral/beam-breaking position (FIG. 7) for a duration of time
that is greater than when the ends 42a are farther away from the
sensor. The proper duration of light detection for correct
positioning of the ends 42a, representing optimal alignment of web
26 for inflation and sealing, can be readily determined, e.g.,
empirically, by those having ordinary skill in the art of making
and/or using inflation and sealing machines without undue
experimentation. Once this value is determined, it can be
programmed into controller 94. Thus, when a light detection
duration occurs that exceeds the predetermined/pre-programmed
value, controller 94 will send a command output 184 to positioning
mechanism 132 to move the roll 26 away from mounting plate
58/support member 12. This causes web 26, and thus ends 42a of
transverse seals 38, to move away from contact sensor 186,
inflation system 22, and sealing device 24.
[0077] As a further example, light may be detected by receptor 199
in intervals, indicating periodic contact between transverse seals
38 and contact sensor 186, but the duration of each period of light
detection may be below the predetermined/pre-programmed value as
described above. In this case, the web 26 is not so far away from
inflation system 22 that the transverse seal ends 42a fail to make
contact with contact sensor 186, but the web is still too far away
for optimal alignment as indicated by the contact sensor 186 being
held pivotally away from its neutral/beam-breaking position (FIG.
7) for a duration of time that is less than desired for a proper
spatial relationship between the contact sensor 186 and the
transverse seal ends 42a. In this case, like the "no-contact"
scenario described above, controller 94 sends a command output 184
to positioning mechanism 132, to move the roll 26 on spool 18 to
cause web 26 to move closer to inflation system 22 and sealing
device 24.
[0078] In a typical case, the transverse position of inflatable web
26 will oscillate within a range, centered on the
predetermined/pre-programmed value for the periodic duration of
light detection by receptor 199, which corresponds to the selected
spatial relationship between the contact sensor 186 and the
transverse seal ends 42a. Such predetermined range may be as narrow
or wide as desired, e.g., depending on how controller 94 is
programmed to run the resultant feed-back control loop. In this
regard, various modes of control may be employed by controller 94,
including proportional, derivative, integral, and combinations
thereof, e.g., PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control, to
achieve a desired predetermined range within which the transverse
position of web 26 oscillates.
[0079] Controller 94 may comprise one or more of a microprocessor;
a central processing unit (CPU); an integrated circuit; memory;
computer programming code; printed circuit assembly, e.g., a
printed circuit board (PCB), and include a control unit, e.g., an
electronic controller, such as a microcontroller, which stores
pre-programmed operating codes; programmable logic controller
(PLC); programmable automation controller (PAC); a personal
computer (PC); or other such control device which is capable of
receiving both operator commands and electronic, sensor-generated
inputs, and carrying out predetermined, e.g., pre-programmed,
operations based on such commands and inputs. Programming commands
may be supplied to the controller 94 via control panel 90 or other
type of operator interface, e.g., a wireless communication
device.
[0080] Controller 94 may further be adapted, e.g., programmed, to
determine the length of the containers 32 in any given inflatable
web used with machine 10. With respect to the illustrated web 26,
for example, the "length" of the container 32 is the longitudinal
distance between a leading transverse seal 38a from a downstream
pair of seals 38 and a following transverse seal 38b from an
adjacent, upstream pair of seals 38, i.e., as measured parallel to
the longitudinal edges 30a, b. The container length may be
determined by controller 94 based on the rate at which web 26 is
conveyed along path 40 by conveyance system 20, and upon the
duration of the beam-break periods in web tracking sensor 180, in
which the contact sensor 186 moves between transverse seals 38a, b
within a container 32, and is thus in its neutral/non-contact
position as shown in FIG. 7. The rate of web conveyance is a value
that is stored in, i.e., "known by", controller 94, e.g., based on
operator input via control panel 90 (and thus the basis of output
102 from controller 94 to conveyance system 20).
[0081] The ability to determine container-length is advantageous,
in that it allows the operations of selected sub-assemblies of
machine 10 to be customized, based on the determined
container-length in the web that is in use as the determination is
made, in order to optimize the inflation and sealing of the
containers in such web. For example, smaller containers often
benefit from higher inflation rates vs. larger containers, and thus
the speed of blower 80 may be varied based on the detected
container-length.
[0082] A related feature will be described with respect to FIG. 9,
wherein controller 94 may further be adapted, e.g., programmed, to
cause machine 10 to discontinue operations in such a manner that
inconsistent inflation of containers 32 is avoided or at least
minimized as a result of a "stop-then-restart" event. In accordance
with this embodiment of the invention, controller 94 may thus be
configured and programmed to receive a stop command, e.g., from an
operator via stop button 92 on control panel 90, and, based on
input 182 from tracking sensor 180, send output 102 to web
conveyance system 20 to stop conveying the inflatable web 26 such
that the web stops at a predetermined location relative to a pair
of the transverse seals 38 from adjacent containers, e.g., an
un-inflated container 32 adjacent to an inflated container 50.
[0083] Using the depiction in FIG. 9 for illustration purposes, one
example of a predetermined location at which conveyance system 20
may stop the conveyance of web 26 will be described. Such
"predetermined location" may be one in which a pair of transverse
seals 38, designated as 38' for illustration purposes, from
adjacent containers, e.g., an un-inflated container 32' and an
inflated container 50', arrive at and stop in a straddling position
relative to sealing device 24. In this manner, the downstream
container 50' associated with the downstream one 38b' of the pair
of transverse seals 38' is fully inflated and sealed closed, with
longitudinal seal 48 intersecting the transverse seal 38b' to seal
closed the downstream/inflated container 50'. On the other hand,
the upstream container 32' associated with the upstream one 38a' of
the pair of transverse seals 38' is in position to be fully
inflated by inflation system 22 and sealed closed by sealing device
24 upon receipt of a restart command, e.g., by the machine operator
via start button 91 on control panel 90.
[0084] In FIG. 8, transverse seal pair 38' is making contact with
contact sensor 186, and this event is being "reported" to
controller 94 via input signal 182 from detection sensor 188. The
controller 94 thus "knows" the location of the transverse seal pair
38', as well as its rate of conveyance between tracking sensor 180
and sealing device 24. Upon receipt of a stop command from stop
button 92 (input signal 106 from control panel 90--see FIG. 9), the
controller 94 controls (e.g., slows) the rate of conveyance of web
26 via output signal 102/motor 68 such that the web stops just as
transverse seal pair 38' has arrived at the straddling position
shown in FIG. 9.
[0085] This feature advantageously ensures that the downstream
container 50' is fully inflated and sealed closed, and that the
upstream container 32' is in the correct position to be fully
inflated and sealed closed upon a re-start of the machine, so that
inconsistent inflation (e.g., under-inflation, over-inflation, or
non-inflation) of the containers does not result from stop/re-start
episodes.
[0086] Sealing device 24 may comprise a pair of convergent members,
e.g., a pair of counter-rotating rollers 62, 64, with sealing
element 66 secured to at least one of the rollers, e.g., to roller
62 as shown. Alternatively, one convergent member may be rotary
while one is stationary. Sealing device 24 may comprise web guides
208, e.g., a pair of such web guides 208a, b, one for sealing
roller 62 and one for backing roller 64, respectively, may help
direct web 26 away from the seal zone proximal the nip, in a
downstream direction along path 40. Sealing device 24 may comprise
a deflection device 206 (FIG. 6), which is structured and arranged
to intersect with path 40 in such a way that web 26 is deflected
and directed against roller 64 as the web is conveyed along path
40, which has the effect of dampening relative movement of sheets
36a, b, smoothing out wrinkles in web 26. The deflection device 206
may comprise a guide bar as shown, or any suitable device capable
of deflecting the web onto backing roller 64.
[0087] With reference back to FIG. 5, an additional feature of an
embodiment of the disclosed subject matter be described. FIG. 5
illustrates one mode of operation, wherein machine 10 may include
surface supports, i.e., feet 212, which are adapted to allow the
machine to be mounted on a table 214 during operations. A
receptacle 216 may be placed adjacent to table 214 as shown, such
that completed containers 50 may be directed from machine 10 and
into the receptacle, e.g., in order to generate a readily-available
supply of the inflated/sealed containers for subsequent use.
Machine 10 may thus further include a detector 218 adapted to
detect the presence of a predetermined quantity of the inflated
containers 50 in receptacle 216, e.g., a height of the inflated
containers in the receptacle.
[0088] Detector 218 may be in operative communication with
controller 94, e.g., via input cable 220, and the controller may be
adapted, e.g., programmed, to perform at least one of: a) stopping
operation of machine 10 to place it in an idle mode once the
predetermined quantity is detected; and b) starting operation of
the machine if such predetermined quantity is not detected by
placing it in an operative mode. In this manner, a predetermined
quantity of inflated containers 50 may be maintained in the
receptacle 216. Detector 218 may be an ultrasonic sensor or the
like.
[0089] Web conveyance system 20 may comprise a pair of rotary
members, e.g., rollers 62, 64, wherein at least one of the rotary
members is mounted on a pivot mechanism 222 with an actuator and a
downstream pivot point 226. The pivot mechanism 222 is movable
between: (1) a conveyance position, at which the rotary
members/rollers 62, 64 are in contact with one another at nip 65,
i.e., the point of convergence between the two rollers (FIG. 1),
and (2) a web-threading position (not illustrated), at which the
rotary members/rollers 62, 64 are not in contact with one another.
In the illustrated embodiment, backing roller 64 is carried on
pivot frame 228, which is pivotally mounted on support structure 12
at pivot point 226. Pivot mechanism 222 may be actuated by, for
example, pivotally-movable handle member 230, so that backing
roller 64 may be moved out of contact with sealing roller 62 to
facilitate the placement of web 26 between such rollers, e.g., upon
placement of a new roll 28 on spool 18 and subsequent "threading"
of the new web 26 through the above-described components of machine
10 along path 40. Once the threading is complete, the pivot
mechanism 222 is returned to its conveyance position so that the
rollers 62, 64 are in compressive contact with opposing sides of
web 26 and ready to begin withdrawing the web from the new roll and
advancing the web along path 40.
[0090] In reference to FIGS. 10 to 17, a system 310 for providing
inflated containers 50 from a web 26 of inflatable containers is
described. The system includes web conveyance system 20, which has
been previously described herein in association with machine 10.
The conveyance system 20 has an operative mode in which the web 26
is advanced along the path of travel 40 by counter-rotating members
62, 64 having nip 65 through which at least a portion of the web 26
passes. Conveyance system 20 also has a idle mode in which the web
is stationary. The system 310 also includes an inflation nozzle 82,
which has been previously described herein in association with
machine 10.
[0091] System 310 includes a detachment arm 312 positioned beside
the path of travel 40 of the web 26 and downstream from the
inflation nozzle 82. Detachment arm 312 includes a separation end
316 to engage the web in the path of travel. The detachment arm 312
also includes a body portion 320 that may be pivotally mounted to
bracket 324 by pivot point 322. Bracket 324 may in turn be mounted
to support structure 12 of machine 10 so that the detachment arm is
attached to the support structure, to which the conveyance system
20 is also attached. Bracket 324 may be adjustable in length (e.g.,
telescoping) so that the position of the detachment arm 312 beside
the path of travel 40 is adjustable along the path of travel. For
example, the bracket 324 has a relatively short first position
(FIGS. 10 and 12) in which the bracket is collapsed to accommodate
relatively short inflated containers and a relatively long second
position (FIG. 11) in which the bracket is extended to accommodate
relatively long inflated containers. Accordingly, the position of
the detachment arm 312 beside the path of travel 40 may be
adjustable along the path of travel to a desired operating position
determined by the length of the containers of the web.
[0092] As an alternative configuration, although the conveyance
system 20 may be attached to support structure 12, the detachment
arm 312 may not be attached to the same support structure, so that
the detachment arm is removed, distanced, or spaced from machine
10, but may nevertheless still be positioned beside the path of
travel 40 of the conveyed web 26. For example, detachment arm 312
may be on one end of a table and machine 10 on the opposite end of
the table.
[0093] The separator end 316 of detachment arm 312 may be adapted
to separate the web 26 along the transverse detachment line 44 as a
detachment force is applied to the web while the separator end 316
of the detachment arm is aligned with the transverse detachment
line 44. For example, the separator end 316 may have a shape that
facilitates the tearing of the web along the transverse detachment
line by provided a focal region for a detachment force applied to
the web (e.g., a manual pulling force) against the separator end.
For example, the separator end 316 may have a triangular or
arrowhead shape having the apex pointing toward the path of travel,
as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 17. A detachment force is the force
applied (e.g., by pulling the web) to tear or separate the web
along the transverse detachment line.
[0094] The system may include a receptor 314 adapted to detect
whether a detachment event occurs at (e.g., a detachment force is
applied by) the separator end 316 such that the web is detached at
a transverse detachment line 44 and to transmit a detachment signal
in response to the detachment event that resulted from the
application of the detachment force. For example, FIG. 16 shows
receptor 314 in the form of an optical switch that is in the "off"
or interrupted mode when the detachment arm is in a normal position
such that the body portion 320 blocks or interrupts the switch by a
biased downward pivot around pivot point 322. This indicates that a
detachment event has not occurred because a detachment force is not
being applied by the separator end 316 of the detachment arm. A
signal may be sent to controller 94 to provide this indication
(i.e., a non-detachment signal) or if alternatively programmed, the
lack of a signal to controller 94 may provide this indication.
[0095] If a detachment event occurs (e.g., a detachment force is
applied by separator end 316 in the form of a pull on the web 26 of
inflated cushions hanging over the separator end to detach the web
along a transverse detachment line), then the detachment arm 312
pivots about pivot point 322 until the pivot movement is halted by
stop 326 so that the detachment arm is in a detachment position in
which the force applied to the separator end 316 is resisted to
detach the web along the transverse detachment line 44 of the web.
(See, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 17.) In this detachment position, the body
portion 320 of the detachment arm no longer blocks the receptor 314
optical switch so that the switch is in the "on" or uninterrupted
mode to indicate that a detachment event has occurred because of
the detachment force applied by the separator end 316 of the
detachment arm. (FIG. 17.) The receptor may send a corresponding
signal (i.e., a detachment signal) to controller 94 to provide this
information in response to the detachment event (or if
alternatively programmed, the lack of a signal to controller 94 may
provide this detachment signal).
[0096] In this manner in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 17, the
detachment arm 312 is moveable between a detachment position (FIG.
17) and a normal position (FIG. 16). In the detachment position the
separator end 316 resists a detachment force by the separator end
316 (e.g., by a pull on a web hanging over the separator end as
illustrated in FIG. 15) and the detachment arm 312 engages the
receptor 314 (e.g., by no longer blocking or interrupting the
optical signal of the switch) to send a detachment signal to the
controller 94 that a detachment event has occurred. In the normal
position, the detachment arm 312 is biased away from the detachment
position. This bias of the detachment arm to the normal position is
strong enough to stay in the normal position even as an inflated
container 50 of web 26 may rest on or cross the detachment arm.
However, a detachment force is applied by the separator end 316,
for example by pulling downwardly on web 26 positioned across the
separator end 316, overcomes this bias to the normal position.
[0097] Another exemplary embodiment for the detachment arm and
receptor is illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 19. In this embodiment, the
detachment arm 412 may be mounted or installed to be stationary
during a detachment event (e.g., not moveable in providing a
detachment signal). Detachment arm 412 has separator end 316.
Receptor 414 includes flapper switch 318. As mentioned above, a
receptor is adapted to detect whether a detachment event has
occurred at the separator end 316 and to transmit a detachment
signal in response to the occurrence of the detachment event. In
this embodiment, flapper switch 318 of receptor 414 is moveably
mounted integrally within the detachment arm 412. The flapper
switch 318 is mounted proximal the separation end 316 to facilitate
detection of a detachment force applied by the separation end. The
flapper switch 318 is moveable between (i) a triggered position
(FIG. 19) in which a detachment force applied by the separator end
causes the flapper switch to transmit a detachment signal to
indicate that a detachment event has occurred and (ii) a normal
position (FIG. 18) in which the detachment switch is biased away
from the triggered position. The bias of the flapper switch to the
normal position is strong enough to stay in the normal position
even as an inflated container 50 of web 26 may rest on or cross the
flapper switch. However, if a detachment force is applied by the
separator end 316, for example by pulling downwardly on web 26
positioned across the separator end 316 so that the separator end
316 engages the transverse detachment line 44 of the web to detach
a string of inflated containers from the web, then the downward
pull force also moves the web to move flapper switch 318 from the
biased normal position to the triggered position (which, e.g., in
this illustration "lays flat" with the surface of the detachment
arm) to signal that a detachment event has occurred.
[0098] The receptor 414 comprising flapper switch 318 may send a
detachment signal (for example to controller 94) to indicate that a
detachment event has occurred resulting from the application of a
detachment force by the separator end 316 of the detachment arm
when the flapper switch is in the triggered position. Also, if
alternatively programmed such that a normal signal is provided to
controller 94 when the flapper switch is in the normal position,
then the detachment signal may be provided by the lack or
interruption of the normal signal to controller 94.
[0099] Another exemplary embodiment for the detachment arm and
receptor is illustrated in FIG. 20. In this embodiment, the
detachment arm 512 may be mounted or installed to be stationary
during a detachment event, for example, mounted to bracket 324.
Detachment arm 512 has separator end 316. Receptor 514 includes
force-sensitive resistor (FSR) 328 having active area 330 mounted
proximal the separator end 316 of the detachment arm 512 to
facilitate detection of a detachment force applied to the
separation end. FSR 328 includes a tail 332 to which leads 334 may
be attached for transmitting a signal to, for example, controller
94. Although this embodiment is described in terms of an FSR, other
devices for providing a signal in response to a pressure of force
may be used, such as a strain gauge, flexion sensor, bend sensor,
and the like. If a detachment event occurs by a detachment force
applied by separator end 316, for example by pulling downwardly on
web 26 positioned across the separator end 316 so that the
separator end 316 engages the transverse detachment line 44 of the
web to detach a string of inflated containers from the web, then
the downward pull force also moves the web to engage or apply force
to the active area 330 of FSR 328. In response, the FSR sends a
signal (i.e., a detachment signal) though the tail 332 and lead 334
to, for example, controller 94 to indicate that a detachment event
has occurred.
[0100] Still another exemplary embodiment for the detachment arm
and receptor is illustrated in FIG. 21. In this embodiment, the
detachment arm 612 may be mounted or installed to be stationary
during a detachment event, for example, mounted to bracket 324.
Detachment arm 612 has separator end 316. Receptor 614 includes
detector 336 such as an optical sensor (e.g., an electro-optical
sensor) or an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., ultrasonic transducer). The
detector 336 is pointed to sense along target line 338, which
intersects the path of travel 40 for the web 26. If a detachment
event occurs by a detachment force applied by separator end 316,
for example by pulling downwardly on web 26 positioned across the
separator end 316 along the path of travel 40 so that the separator
end 316 engages the transverse detachment line 44 of the web to
detach a string of inflated containers from the web, then a gap is
created by the detachment of the web such that the detector senses
the space caused by the detachment event. In response, the detector
336 sends a signal (i.e., a detachment signal), for example,
controller 94 to indicate that a detachment event has occurred.
[0101] FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed subject
matter in which web conveyance system 420 includes opposing
counter-rotating rotary members 262, 264 that form a nip 65 through
which web 26 of inflated containers 50 passes to advance along the
path of travel 40. As illustrated, counter-rotating rotary member
262 is in the form of a conveyor belt 263 traveling about head
pulley 267a, which provides the driving motion to the belt, and a
tail pulley 267b. Similarly, as illustrated, counter-rotating
rotary member 264 is in the form of a conveyor belt 265 traveling
about head pulley 267c, which provides the driving motion to the
belt, and a tail pulley 267d. The conveyance system (e.g., web
conveyance system 420) has (i) an operative mode in which the web
26 is advanced along the path of travel 40 by counter-rotating
members having a nip through which at least a portion of the web
passes and (ii) an idle mode in which the web 26 is stationary. The
web conveyance system 420 may be operatively controlled, for
example, by controller 94 (not shown in FIG. 22). The source of the
web 26 of inflated containers 50 may be directly from a machine,
such as machine 10 for inflating and sealing an inflatable web as
described herein, or may be from an accumulation of a web of
cushions, for example, from a storage container or bin.
[0102] Transverse tracking sensor 280 is positioned to detect
location information for the transverse detachment lines 44 of the
web 26. Transverse tracking sensor 280 may include one or more of
the sensors described herein, for example, a mechanical sensor
(i.e., using physical contact), an optical sensor, an ultrasonic
sensor, a magnetic sensor, a force sensor (e.g., a force-sensitive
resistor and the like), and an accelerometer. The transverse
tracking sensor may detect a transverse detachment line 44, or may
detect a transverse seal 38, the locating of the one will provide
location information of the other as previously discussed herein.
Such location information may be provided to a controller 94 (not
shown in FIG. 22), as described herein. Additionally or
alternatively, the sensor 280 may operate or function as a counter
to detect and count the passing of each container 50 of the web 26
along the path of travel 40 and to transmit this counter
information, for example, to controller 94.
[0103] Continuing with FIG. 22, detachment arm 612 is positioned
beside the path of travel 40 and downstream from the web conveyance
system 420 and/or the sensor 280. The detachment arm 612 may be
mounted or installed to be stationary during a detachment event,
for example, mounted to bracket 324. Detachment arm 612 has
separator end 316. Although illustrated with detection arm 612,
this embodiment may alternatively incorporate any of the detachment
arms discussed herein, as well as any of the receptors described
herein for use in combination with such detachment arms.
[0104] FIGS. 23 to 25 illustrate an embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter in which machine 710 is adapted to separate a web 26
of inflated containers 50. The source of the web 26 of inflated
containers 50 may be directly from a machine, such as machine 10
for inflating and sealing an inflatable web as described herein, or
may be from an accumulation of a web of cushions, for example, from
a storage container or bin (not illustrated). The machine 710
includes a base 714 supporting platform 716 arranged to support the
web 26 of cushions that may be drawn across the platform along path
of travel 40. Counter 780 is positioned beside or along the path of
travel 40 and includes sensor 750. Sensor 750 is adapted to operate
as a mechanical sensor to detect the passing of each container 50
of the web 26 as it moves by the sensor to contact the sensor.
Sensor 750 transmits the resulting counter information (e.g., the
number of containers that has passed over a given period) based on
the passing, for example, to controller 94 (not shown). Sensor 750
of the counter 780 is supported by a pair of columns 752, which in
turn support beam 754. Sensor 750 is rotatably supported by beam
754 so that sensor 750 may move (e.g., swing) as a cushion 50
passes. Although machine 710 is illustrated with sensor 750, any of
one or more of the sensors described herein may be utilized for
this function, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic
sensor, a magnetic sensor, a force sensor, and an accelerometer.
The sensor of counter 780 may also be adapted to detect a
transverse detachment line 44, or may detect a transverse seal 38.
Detachment arm 720 is positioned beside the path of travel 40 and
has separator end 722 adapted to engage the web in the path of
travel to detach a string of cushions 724. The detachment arm 720
is moveable between: (i) an engaged position (FIGS. 23 and 25) in
which the separator end 722 is aligned with a transverse detachment
line 44 of the web in the path of travel 40 and (ii) a disengaged
position (FIG. 24) in which the separator end 722 does not engage
the web 26 in the path of travel 40. Detachment arm 720 may be
attached to actuator 726 to effect the movement of the detachment
arm between the engaged and disengaged positions. Controller 94
(not shown) may be in operative control of actuator 726. The
operation of machine 710 will be described below.
Operation
[0105] The operation of the systems described herein have some
similarities in that a controller, such as controller 94, may be
used to control, monitor, initiate, and/or stop the various
operations of the systems and machines. Controller 94 has been
previously described above in some aspects. The controller may be
programmed to receive, process, and react to any of the signals
described herein.
[0106] For example, controller 94 may be programmed with a
predetermined number of containers that is desired or identified
for the string of cushions for a particular packaging need. The
predetermined number of cushions may be entered via an operator
interface with the controller 94, or may be received by controller
94 through other electronic communication. In some situations, the
predetermined number of containers for the string of cushions will
not vary often, for example, when the packaging need is similar for
numerous packages. In that case, the programmed predetermined
number of cushions will stay the same until changed. In other
situations, the controller 94 may receive information for the
predetermined number of containers (for the string of cushions) for
individual packaging, for example from a warehouse management
system or from scanned information from a product code, in which
case the predetermined number of cushions may vary with each
product to be packaged. The information for the predetermined
number of containers may be provided or calculated in the form of a
length of web material that corresponds with the desired number of
containers if the length of the containers is known.
[0107] Controller 94 may be programmed to receive a detachment
signal and to operatively control the web conveyance system (e.g.,
systems 20, 420) to move the conveyance system to its operative
mode to advance the web by the predetermined number of containers
if the detachment signal is received while the conveyance system is
in the idle mode. Further, the controller 94 may also be programmed
to move the conveyance system (20, 420) to the idle mode to stop
the advancement of the web 26 after the completing the
predetermined number of containers if a detachment signal is not
received during the advancement of the predetermined number of
containers. Also, the controller may be programmed to continue to
advance the web 26 if a detachment signal is received while the
conveyance system is in the operative mode.
[0108] Under this programming arrangement, an operator may pull on
the web 26 of inflated containers (for example, web 26 of FIG. 15)
to create a detachment event by detaching a string of inflated
cushions from the web 26 along the transverse detachment line 44.
This causes a detachment signal to be sent to the controller 94,
which (if the conveyance system is in the idle mode) moves the
conveyance system to the operative mode so that the predetermined
number of cushions will be made. If the operator has not pulled on
the web 26 while the predetermined number of containers is being
advanced, then the controller will return the conveyance system to
the idle mode after completion of the predetermined number of
containers, so that the predetermined number of containers will be
immediately ready for when the operator next desires to detach the
string of cushions from the web.
[0109] However, if the operator pulls on the web 26 while the
predetermined number of containers is being advanced, then an
additional detachment signal is sent to and received by the
controller (even though an actual detachment has not occurred), and
the controller continues to instruct the conveyance system to
advance the web until a detachment signal is not received during
the advancement of the predetermined number of containers, in which
case the controller moves the conveyance system to the idle
mode.
[0110] Controller 94 may be programmed to receive the location
information for the transverse detachment lines 44 from the
transverse tracking sensor (180, 280) and to move the conveyance
system (20, 420) to the idle mode so that a transverse detachment
line 44 is aligned with the separator end 316 of any of the
detachment arms described herein. To achieve this, the controller
may be programmed to have information regarding one or more of (i)
the distance from the transverse tracking sensor to the separator
end 316, (ii) the length between the transverse detachment lines 44
(i.e., the length of the containers), (iii) the speed of the
advancement of the web 26, (iv) the distance that the web advances
relative the rotation of the counter-rotating members (e.g., 62,
64) of the conveyance system, and (v) the number of rotations of
the counter-rotating members. A transverse detachment line 44 is
aligned with the separator end 316 when a detachment force applied
to the web (e.g., a pull) causes the separation end to engage the
transverse detachment line 44 to cause a detachment event.
"Alignment" in this sense does not have to be exact. FIGS. 14, 15,
and 22 illustrate an alignment.
[0111] The controller 94 may be programmed to operatively control
the conveyance system (e.g., conveyance system 420 of FIG. 22) to
advance the web by the predetermined number of containers in
response to an advancement signal received by the controller. An
advancement signal may be provided by a warehouse management system
that sends to the controller the advancement signal. The warehouse
management system may also send to the controller information for
the predetermined number of containers, for example, associated
with a product to be packaged. Controller 94 may be is in
communication with a scanner that provides the advancement signal
to the controller in communication with the scanner. Also, the
controller may be in communication with a switch (e.g.,
foot-activated or hand-activated) to provide the advancement signal
to the controller.
[0112] The machine 710 illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 25 may be
operated as follows. Controller 94 may be programmed to receive the
counter information and/or location information that may be
provided by sensor 750 of counter 780. Controller 94 may also be
programmed with a predetermined number of containers information,
as discussed above in connection with other embodiments. The
controller 94 may also be programmed to operatively control the
position of detachment arm 720 by operatively controlling the
actuator 726. Controller 94 may be programmed to operatively
control the movement of the detachment arm in response to the
counter information and the predetermined number of containers
information.
[0113] An operator may manually pull on the web 26 of cushions 50
to move the web across the platform. As the predetermined number of
containers has passed counter 780, the controller 94 moves the
detachment arm 720 to the engaged position so that the operator may
apply a detachment force to the web so that the transverse
detachment line 44 engages the separator end 722 to separate the
string of cushions 724 from the web 26 along the transverse
detachment line. Advantageously, the operator may be able to
perform this detachment event with one hand. Further, the operator
does not have to count the number of containers because as the
predetermined number has been reached, the detachment arm is
engaged so that the operator may detach a string of cushions having
the desired, predetermined number of cushions.
[0114] In one aspect of this embodiment, the detachment arm 720 may
move to the engaged position while the operator is manually pulling
the web. Each container of the web is between a leading transverse
detachment line and a trailing transverse detachment line relative
the container and the path of travel. The controller may be
programmed to identify the leading transverse detachment line
(e.g., line 730) of the last container (e.g., container 734) of the
predetermined number of containers and to move the detachment arm
toward the engaged position after the leading transverse detachment
line of the last container of the predetermined number of
containers has passed the detachment arm 720, in order to place the
detachment arm in the engaged position (FIG. 23) for the trailing
transverse detachment line (e.g., line 732) of the last container
of the predetermined number of containers. In this manner, the
detachment arm moves into place so that it can be in the engaged
position so that the pulling force on the web is translated to a
detachment force as the trailing transverse detachment line (e.g.,
line 732) aligns with the separator end 722. This arrangement
allows the operator to pull the web so that the detachment arm
engages at the appropriate time to avoid detaching the web at the
wrong transverse detachment line.
[0115] To this end, the controller may be programmed to receive the
predetermined number of containers information and compare this to
the information gained by counting the containers. The controller
can then identify the last container for the predetermined number
of containers. The controller may determine when the leading
transverse detachment line will have passed the detachment arm, for
example, by comparing the speed with which the web is moving to the
distance for the location of the detachment arm, or by allowing a
determined or given amount of time to pass. The controller may then
actuate the detachment arm to move after the leading transverse
detachment line has passed.
[0116] The controller may instruct the separator arm to retract to
the disengaged position after a set period of time. If the machine
710 includes one of the receptors described herein (not
illustrated), then the receptor may detect a detachment event for
which a detachment signal is transmitted to controller 94, which
then instructs the detachment arm to retract to the disengaged
position.
[0117] In another aspect of this embodiment, the counter 780 may
also function as the detachment arm 720, for example, to lock in
place after the predetermined number of containers has passed so
that the operator may manually apply the detachment force to cause
the detachment event.
[0118] The above descriptions are those of preferred embodiments of
the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance
with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of
equivalents. Any reference to an item in the disclosure or to an
element in the claim in the singular using the articles "a," "an,"
"the," or "said" is not to be construed as limiting the item or
element to the singular unless expressly so stated. The definitions
and disclosures set forth in the present Application control over
any inconsistent definitions and disclosures that may exist in an
incorporated reference.
* * * * *